Stories from the Field
As we work to provide water, we're committed to helping people like you meet your global neighbors and to realize that we all share the same basic needs. We hope to break down stereotypes and the false distinctions between the so-called winners and losers, rich and poor, the needy and charitable, by introducing you to the people we serve with the respect and admiration they rightfully deserve.
These are stories of hope, told in the words of those who carry out this work every day - our friends in the field.
A Year Later: "Our water crisis is over now."
We asked the caretaker of the well in Borope Community, Kadiatu Mansaray, 45, how the well functioned before it was rehabilitated last year. She said, "The pump was functional but it dried up in the dry season and it was very challenging for us at that time." She continued, "I had to spend money on package water for drinking because where we were...
A Year Later: Water Has Made Everything Possible!
Before we constructed a rain tank at Mwikhupo Primary School, last year, students had a difficult time finding time to study. "Time was wasted, which affected our academic performance," explained 14-year-old Vitalis. "At, times we couldn't complete our lessons without being asked to go get water from River Lusumu. This also resulted [in] indiscipl...
A Year Later: From Never Doing Homework to Teacher's Pet!
Thomas M., 12, shared what collecting water was like for him last year before Ucheka Spring was protected. "Initially, I used to take a lot of time waiting for water to settle before drawing," he said. "I was forced to go to the spring very early in the morning or late in the evening for me to get clean water and save on time, too." But now, Thom...
A Year Later: Less Water-Related Illness!
"Before the project was completed, the spring was open to contamination, which was not good for human consumption," said Agnes Inganata, 30. But since protecting Shatuma Spring last year, Agnes' community of Shamoni has noticed a few different benefits. "[There are] no more cases of typhoid," said Agnes. The protected spring means less contamina...
A Year Later: From Picking Out Leaves to Playing With Friends!
Franklin S., 8, recalled to our field staff what it was like to collect water from Moro Spring before its protection last year. He said, "We used to manually remove the leaves from the water in order to get clean water." But since the spring's protection, not only has the amount of debris contaminating the water reduced, but other factors have als...